The “Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Health Day,” a community-focused event promoting wellness through holistic care, was held on Sunday, Nov. 17, in Flushing. Organized by the United Alliance of NYS Licensed Acupuncturists (UANYSLA), CAIPA Foundation, Inc., and Healthfirst, with support from the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Alumni Association, the event provided free health consultations, treatments, and educational resources to attendees.
Sponsors included Flushing Urgent Care Center, True Care Nursing Agency, and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. The event aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of TCM and acupuncture while offering participants access to valuable health services.
Over 30 licensed TCM practitioners participated, providing acupuncture treatments, herbal consultations, and wellness advice. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in multiple service stations and health screenings, drawing hundreds of community members eager to learn more about their personal wellness needs.
Peggy Shen, Executive Director of CAIPA Foundation, highlighted the importance of integrating the preventive care principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medical practices. She emphasized that TCM is particularly effective for maintaining health before the onset of illness and providing timely interventions when needed, especially for seniors, by enhancing immunity and overall vitality.
Shi Gang, President of UANYSLA, addressed acupuncture’s significant role in both prevention and treatment, noting its effectiveness in managing conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. He pointed out the ongoing challenges in achieving broader integration of acupuncture into mainstream health insurance and outlined efforts to collect case studies demonstrating its efficacy. These initiatives aim to increase awareness among insurers and policymakers and advocate for improved legislative and insurance support.
Stephanie Wu, Vice President of Healthfirst, emphasized the value of TCM as a long-term investment in health. She encouraged individuals to adopt maintenance and care practices to improve their overall well-being. Wu also highlighted the growing inclusion of acupuncture in insurance plans, recognizing it as a milestone that reflects increased acceptance and acknowledgment of its proven effectiveness.
For more information on upcoming community health events, visit https://www.caipafoundation.org/.
Sources: World Journal and China Press
